Turin in the Zodiac

The itinerary “Turin in the Zodiac” - zodiac signs in Turin’s architecture and monuments - has been proposed to offer an extra artistic attraction for curious visitors to the Subalpine Capital.

It is generally known that Turin is the city of bulls (Augusta Taurinorum) and lions (symbol of the former royal house); - various features of them are everywhere: entire, dismembered or decapitated. But my curiosity has also been stimulated by the way in which not only the whole zodiac, but also its individual signs, are represented in Turin’s streets, squares and monuments, extending our visual vocabulary of some of the signs.

In fact, during the course of centuries, designers of the zodiac have illustrated its various symbols in their own way, according to their respective creativity or culture. The signs of the zodiac on the outside of buildings in the city of Turin ( and in its province) are closely linked to the history of coats of arms (symbols of a noble family, heraldic images, ensigns, friezes, owner’s logos, etc.).

Sometimes the refiguration of these emblems hasn’t any direct connection with the signs of the zodiac, even if they are identical ( Turin has the Bull for its symbol; Collegno (Turin province), the Lion; and Pessinetto (Turin province) the Fish. The letter “C” which forms the initial of Carmagnola (Turin province) in the city’s coat of arms is formed by the union of two fishes, a symbol of the Marquis of Saluzzo).

Similarly, the owners of both big and small buildings in Turin have often decorated their vront doors, balconies and facades with the signs of the zodiac (instead of monograms or coats of arms) as a distinctive symbol to give a touch of originality and elegance. We can find all the signs of the zodiac on lots of buildings: representing the astrological calendar or the months of the year. The itinerary “Turin in the Zodiac” sets out to show how artistic refiguration can be interpreted in different ways according to creative necessity, and the symbolic uses intended ( rhetorical ornament).

We can start for example with “The Balances”: it’s not only the seventh sign of the zodiac, but also an allegory of terrestrial justice; while the symbol of divine justice, or universal equilibrium, is the pharmacopoeia, etc. Lots of such symbols are inspired by images from the world of classical mythology: Diana, the Centaur, or an amorino, can be emblems of the zodiacal sign Sagittarius; a Chimera (half goat and half siren) can be the sign for Capricorn; while a Minotaur can also symbolise Taurus, etc. (archetypes).

Completely different interpretations however can be attributed to the signs and figures shown in the funereal art in Turin’s Monumental Cemetery. Among numerous allegories and symbols drawn from Christian culture (and also before from pagan culture) that can be seen in the area of the cemetery, we can find sculpture refiguring concentric circles and radial sundials with the signs of the zodiac attached for the various constellations. The circle is the symbol for the universality of things, the circular movement of the stars, and the beginning and the end, while the constellations are allegories of Time.

The Lion is represented in two versions: the winged lion, a symbol of Mark the Evangelist; and the simple strong lion, symbolic of Christ the Judge. Then we can find the Fishes, which are also a symbol of Christ, or of the Feast of the Eucharist. The Twins are very common and nearly always symbolised by an equal pair of cherubs: simple little angels, winged spirits, at the court of the King of Heaven. In funereal art, the Balances, held by an angel, are the symbol of God’s Justice, to which all believers must eventually confront and take account of. This icon can also symbolise the Archangel Michael dressed as a Roman warrier, holding the balances in one hand and the sword in the other. Also, if you bump into the outline of a winged Bull, you will know that in reality it’s only a calf with a pair of wings in a refiguration of St.Luke the Evangelist. The real soul of Turin is noble and beautiful, and worth visiting and admiring in its smallest details.